QUALITY OF LIFE
So much to talk about here!
I'll share why I think Cypress is wonderful and what we need to do to make sure we are all thriving now and in the future.
I moved to Cypress to purchase my first home a few months before my oldest child was going to enter Kindergarten. The things I loved then, I still love today:
Friendly neighbors and businesses - Within a month the grocery store clerk at Ralphs knew my name and the names of kids. The small restaurants very quickly knew what I was likely to order. People would stop to chat and visit while running errands. I very quickly felt like part of the community.
Accessible community-building activities - Our concerts on the green and community festival are signature events that bring everyone together. The chili cookoff, adorable performances by Miss Ginger and Miss Charlotte's dancing lions and bunnies, and local musicians makes it a scene right out of a movie.
Fantastic schools that welcome parent involvement - Teachers and administrators are clearly focused on what is best for kids. The district invests in on-going professional development and shares decision making with parent groups.
Safe neighborhoods and streets - Our police department is proactive and their community policing strategy engages the community in prevention and education. And our public works department takes great pride in our well-maintained public areas and streets. You can tell the difference when you drive beyond city limits.
How do we preserve this? It takes all of us working together.
City Leaders need to maintain safety, infrastructure, parks and recreation programs for children, adults and seniors. And they need to plan for the future so we can sustain these for our children, grandchildren and beyond.
School Leaders need to continue to learn as well as teach. They need to instill knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies for our young people who will live in a world we might not yet be able to imagine.
Residents need to treat each other with respect, kindness and civility. We need to engage in challenging discussions about issues and actively listen to various viewpoints without attacking the character of those who disagree.
Let's all say hi to our neighbors, do random acts of kindness, put our grocery carts back, drive safely, open doors for one another, say please and thank you, help those who need assistance, and remember how fortunate we are to live in this great city.
We all make Cypress a wonderful place to live, work and play.